Good first trips stay within the inner Waitematā Harbour: across to Devonport and back, round North Head, along the bays towards Bean Rock lighthouse, or towards Rangitoto. All are short sails with land close by, in mostly sheltered water.
For a first trip, choose a short route in sheltered water, with an easy return whatever the wind does, and go in a light to moderate breeze with someone experienced on board.
Some common choices:
- Across to Devonport and back. Devonport sits directly opposite the city on the North Shore, with its two volcanic cones, North Head and Mount Victoria. It is a short sail across the harbour, but you cross the busiest stretch of water, with ferries, ships and a strong stream, so it teaches a lot. Keep well clear of the Devonport ferry wharf and the naval base.
- Round North Head. From Devonport you can sail out past North Head into the outer harbour, with views of Rangitoto. Expect the wind and stream to change as you round the head, and choppy water with wind against tide.
- Along the bays. East of the city, the shore along Tamaki Drive and the bays beyond it gives sheltered sailing in a south-westerly. Bean Rock lighthouse, a small lighthouse on a reef off Ōrākei, is a popular turning point: give the reef plenty of room.
- Towards Rangitoto. Rangitoto Island makes a natural next step once you are comfortable in the harbour, but it means crossing the Rangitoto Channel, which ships use.
- Under the Harbour Bridge. West of the bridge the upper harbour is calmer but much shallower, with large areas drying at low tide, so check the chart and tide.
Before you go:
- check the marine forecast, including how the wind will change during the day;
- look at the chart for the channels, shallow areas and hazards on your route;
- know the time of high and low water, and which way the stream will run;
- tell someone ashore where you are going and when you will be back;
- have lifejackets for everyone, a way to call for help, and a plan to turn back early if the wind rises.
More in the book: Chapter 14, Buoys, charts and tides